What is a cake? What is the recipe for orange cake? Forget those dry, crumbly cakes that taste vaguely of orange zest. This beauty is moist, intensely flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make. I’d put it up against any bakery-style cake, seriously! Imagine it as the brighter, zestier cousin to a classic vanilla pound cake, bursting with sunshine. Why do we use whole orange peel? Is this a good book?
What is an orange cake?
What is an orange cake? Is it a cake infused with fresh oranges? What is the best version of orange zest? We’re talking whole orange puree, lending both intense flavor and incredible moisture to the crumb. What is the ultimate comfort cake? What is sunshine in dessert form? Some people compare it to a lemon drizzle cake, but the orange flavor is much richer and deeper. Is it like a citrus explosion in your mouth?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me count the ways I adore this orange Cake Recipe. First and foremost, the flavor is simply divine. The combination of sweet citrus with a hint of bitterness from the orange peel is just perfection. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and utterly addictive. Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Don’t let the “whole orange” thing intimidate you; it all comes together in a snap. Third, the ingredients are super cost-effective. We’re talking pantry staples and a few oranges – that’s it! And fourth, it’s incredibly versatile. Enjoy it plain, dust it with powdered sugar, or drizzle it with a luscious orange glaze. What I love most about this is that it’s the kind of cake that gets better with age. Seriously, the flavors meld and deepen over time. Unlike many other cakes, this one actually tastes *better* the next day! It’s the best orange cake recipe I know. This is also great with blood oranges if you can find them. Adds a really pretty color!
How do you make an orange cake?
Quick Overview
How do I make a delicious cake? What is the process of pureeing an orange, mixing it with the other wet ingredients, and then blending it again. Is this possible? combining it with the dry. Then, bake until golden brown and let it cool before glazing. What is the best part about it? No fancy equipment or complicated techniques. What is the easiest recipe to bake? What is the hardest part of waiting for it to cool before you dig in?
Ingredients
For the Cake:
* 2 medium oranges, washed thoroughly (I prefer navel orange for their sweetness)
* 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan.
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 2 large eggs
* 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (from one of your oranges)
* 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for extra flavor punch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. Set aside. I always line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal – it’s a lifesaver!
Step 2: Prepare Orange Puree
What are some of the best ways to cut oranges into wedges and remove the seeds? Place the orange wedges in a food processor and process until completely smooth. How much orange puree should you have?
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined for even baking.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. What is the best way to make a quick electric mixer?
Step 5: Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – this will result in a tough cake. I usually stop mixing when there are still a few streaks of flour and then finish it by hand.
Step 7: Fold in Orange Puree
Gently fold in the orange puree until evenly distributed. The batter will be slightly loose, which is perfectly normal.
Step 8: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. I always start checking around 30 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 9: Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. I like to drizzle a glaze over the cake. I sometimes add ice cream if I want to make it thinner.
Step 10: Slice & Serve
How do I make an orange cake? What are some good ways to enjoy vanilla ice cream with tea?
What to Serve It With
What are some of the best ways to make a delicious cake?
For Breakfast:Serve a slice with coffee or orange juice. What is the best way to start the day with a burst of sunshine?
For Brunch:What is a good brunch cake to serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, and some ice cream? What’s a good brunch dish?
As Dessert:After a satisfying meal, serve ice cream or whipped cream. The tangy orange flavor provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the ice cream.
For Cozy Snacks:What are some good ways to enjoy a slice of toast with iced tea? What is the ultimate comfort food that will warm you from the inside out? My family likes it with a little cream cheese frosting sometimes. I know I can sneak a slice of cheese with ice cream at 10pm!
How do I make a perfect orange cake?
How can I take my orange cake game to the next level?
Orange Prep:Make sure to wash your oranges thoroughly before pureeing them. How do you clean an orange peel? I also like to give them a good scrub with vegetable brush.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry if there are a few streaks of flour.
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on your cake while it’s baking. Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s important to start checking for doneness around 30 minutes. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Glaze Variations: Experiment with different flavors for your glaze. You can add a splash of vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a hint of Grand Marnier for an extra kick.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own by adding 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Make it Gluten-Free: I’ve made this with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and it comes out great! Just make sure it contains xanthan gum to help bind everything together.
Adding Nuts: Sometimes I’ll add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a little extra crunch and flavor. About a half cup is usually perfect. Toast them lightly first for the best flavor!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to keep your cake fresh and delicious for days to come?
Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It will stay moist and flavorful. I usually just cover it with a cake dome or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out. I recommend bringing it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezer Instructions: This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. For the best results, freeze it *before* glazing. You can then add the fresh glaze after it’s thawed.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the cake for more than a day, I recommend waiting to glaze it until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or dissolving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my family’s cherished orange Cake Recipe! I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the joy of this bright, flavorful cake for yourself. It’s honestly one of those recipes that just makes you happy. It’s the perfect cake for any occasion, from a casual brunch to a special celebration. And if you’re a fan of citrus desserts, be sure to check out my other recipes for lemon bars and grapefruit tart! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let me know if you try it, and don’t hesitate to share your own variations and tips in the comments below!
orange cake recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup orange juice
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp orange zest
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, oil, and eggs.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Stir in orange zest.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
